The On Paper with Anthony Smith Podcast
One more fight? Anthony Smith has accepted a fight date in April—this is more than just another fight—it’s a celebration of a career filled with grit, heart, and determination.
Episode 1 of the On Paper with Anthony Smith Podcast dropped with a bang, bringing UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith into the spotlight in a whole new way.
Alongside his witty, and sometimes sarcastic co-host Kelly Murphy, the debut episode struck a perfect balance between gritty MMA talk and heartfelt personal moments.
The On Paper Podcast gives fans a ringside seat to Smith’s mind—not just the fighter but the father, adventurer, and guy-next-door with plenty of surprises.
The Concept Behind the Podcast
From the very first moments, Anthony made it clear this isn’t just another fighter’s podcast. It’s personal, thought-provoking, and often downright funny.
Anthony’s Vision:
- A platform to get candid about MMA and life beyond the Octagon.
- Combining his in-depth fighter’s perspective with Kelly’s down-to-earth “fan-first” insights.
- Offering a unique mix of fight talk, fascinating interviews, and unexpected topics, like scuba diving and parenting tips.
Kelly’s Role:
Kelly brings an element of unpredictability and fun to the show. Acting as the “fan voice,” she keeps Anthony grounded while still managing to challenge his views. Her behind-the-scenes experience with Anthony during his Sirius XM days ensures their chemistry is electric.
Key Highlights from Episode 1
Anthony explained his timing for launching On Paper with a heartfelt reflection. With his fighting career entering its twilight, he wanted to build something meaningful outside the Octagon.
He shared: “I don’t want the sport to be done with me before I’m done with it.” His goal is to remain connected to MMA, not just as a competitor but as a storyteller and analyst who offers a fresh perspective.
One More Fight!
Fans eager for more got an exclusive teaser: Anthony has accepted a fight date in April! While he didn’t reveal the opponent just yet, he emphasized the importance of ending his career on a high note.
For Smith, this is more than just another fight—it’s a celebration of a career filled with grit, heart, and determination.
Anthony’s Picks for UFC 311
In classic Lionheart fashion, Anthony wrapped up the episode with his picks for the highly anticipated UFC 311 card. True to form, his analysis was as sharp as ever, combining technical breakdowns with gut feelings about the fighters. Here’s how Anthony sees the fights going down:
Kevin Holland vs. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight Fight)
- Anthony’s Pick: Kevin Holland
- Why: “Holland’s unorthodox style and unpredictability will give RDR problems. If Holland keeps the fight standing and stays aggressive, it’s his fight to lose.”
Renato Moicano vs. Beneil Dariush (Lightweight Fight)
- Anthony’s Pick: Renato Moicano
- Why: “Moicano is coming in with a chip on his shoulder. He’s been vocal about wanting to make a statement, and I think his precision and striking versatility will edge him past Dariush.”
Jamahal Hill vs. Jiri Prochazka (Light Heavyweight Fight)
- Anthony’s Pick: Jamahal Hill
- Why: “Jiri is a beast, but Hill’s striking precision and fight IQ are next-level. He’s my guy, and I believe he’ll show why he’s a force in the division.”
Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight Championship)
- Anthony’s Pick: Umar Nurmagomedov
- Why: “Merab is a cardio machine, but Umar’s striking accuracy and grappling transitions are on another level. It’s going to be a close one, but I’m leaning towards Umar to edge out a decision.”
Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan (Lightweight Championship)
- Anthony’s Pick: Islam Makhachev
- Why: “Islam’s dominance in grappling and his ability to control the pace make him incredibly tough to beat. Arman is talented, but I think Islam retains the belt in a gritty battle.”
Anthony’s picks set the stage for an exciting UFC 311 card. Whether you agree or disagree with his predictions, one thing is certain—this weekend’s fights are going to deliver plenty of fireworks!
UFC 311 | Poster
What to Expect from Future Episodes
Smith promised that On Paper would be far from predictable. While fights and odds will be regular talking points, he also teased a deeper dive into his personality and passions. This isn’t just for diehard MMA fans—it’s for anyone who loves a good story.
MMA Deep Dives:
- Fight previews and post-fight breakdowns.
- Discussions about fighters’ lives beyond the cage.
Beyond MMA Adventures:
- Guests from all walks of life.
- Topics ranging from Anthony’s hobbies, to parenting lessons he’s learned as a self-proclaimed “girl dad.”
The Lionheart’s Perspective
Anthony opened up about what sets his perspective apart. While many fighters are solely focused on wins and losses, he sees the sport as just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. This mindset, combined with his natural curiosity, fuels his vision for the show.
Smith shared candid moments about:
- His evolving relationship with MMA as he nears the end of his career.
- Why the podcast is a chance for fans to see his personality outside of fighting.
- His excitement about hosting guests who are as interesting outside the cage as they are inside it.
Emotional Moments
Smith’s Reflection on Career Challenges: One of the most poignant parts of the episode was Anthony’s raw recollection of the losses he has faced—not just in the cage, but in life. He spoke about losing his longtime coach, Scotty, and how it impacted his preparation for his last fight.
He admitted, “I didn’t come to win that fight—I came to heal. This is how I process grief.” The podcast offers Smith a new way to share these personal moments with fans while reminding them of the human side of the sport.
Key Quote: “I’ve gotten so much more out of this sport than I ever could have imagined. I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved and the life I’ve built for my family.”
Be sure to catch Anthony’s detailed breakdowns in Episode 1 of On Paper and join the conversation online by sharing your picks for UFC 311 on the YouTube Video!
